Statistics Canada says retail sales edged up 0.1% in April
Sales were up in seven of 11 subsectors
OTTAWA—Statistics Canada says retail sales edged up 0.1% in April to $51.5 billion, boosted by food and drink sales and higher prices for gasoline.
Economists had expected an increase of 0.2%, according to Thomson Reuters Eikon.
Sales were up in seven of 11 subsectors tracked by Statistics Canada.
Sales at gasoline stations were up 1.2%, although sales fell 0.7% in volume terms, reflecting higher prices at the pump.
Food and beverage stores saw sales climb 0.4%, boosted by higher sales at beer, wine and liquor stores and specialty food stores.
Motor vehicle and parts dealers saw sales edge up 0.1% on the strength of a 1.2% increase in sales at new car dealers that offset lower sales at other store types within this subsector.
Retail sales in volume terms fell 0.2%.
